Study of Bill S-251: An Act to Repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION OF CANADA’S CALL TO ACTION NUMBER 6
Submitted by Dr. Benjamin Roebuck,
Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime,
to the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
December, 2024
ABOUT THE OFFICE OF THE FEDERAL OMBUDSPERSON FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME
The Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) is an independent resource for victims in Canada.
Our Office was created to help the federal government honour its commitments to victims of crime. Victims contact our Office to learn more about their rights under federal laws, about federal services available to them, or to make a complaint about any federal legislation or agencies interacting with victims.
We help problem solve when victims' rights are not respected. We collaborate with stakeholders across the country to identify emerging trends or issues that affect victims of crime.
We also offer recommendations to federal agencies and help to ensure that victims' concerns are considered in the legislative process. For more information visit: www.victimsfirst.gc.ca
If you have experienced criminal victimization and you believe your rights under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights have not been respected, you can contact us:
Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime
1-866-481-8429
CONTEXT
Bill S-251 was introduced in June 2022 by the Honourable Senator Stanley Kutcher with the intent to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code ,which would address Call to Action (CTA) number 6 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). Section 43 of the Criminal Code states:
43 Every schoolteacher, parent or person standing in the place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care, if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances.
In 2004, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) case Canadian Foundation for Children, Youth and the Law v. Canada (Attorney General)Footnote 1 narrowed the application of this section and held that:
- parents can only use corrective force that is minor,
- teachers can never use force for physical punishment but can use reasonable force in some circumstances such as to remove a child from a classroom,
- physical punishment cannot be used in anger or with objects, and it cannot be degrading, inhumane, or harmful,
- can never be used on children younger than two or older than twelve, and
- it cannot be used on a child incapable of learning.
Many forms of physical punishment are illegal in Canada and must be distinguished from abusive conductFootnote 3 which is not protected by the Code. Globally, about 60% of children aged 2-14 experiencing physical punishment (World Health Organization, 2021). Organizations around the world, including the United Nations (UN), have been advocating for many years to stop corporal punishment as it has been found to have long-lasting harmful effects on children. In response, many states have taken action, with 67 UN states fully prohibiting the use of corporal punishment and 26 states having committed to law reform (End Corporal Punishment, n.d.). In a 2023 Canadian survey, three out of four participants disclosed they had been physically disciplined in their youth, with over half believing that it was time to remove s. 43 of the Criminal Code (Canseco, 2023).
In 2004, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario’s (CHEO) released its Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth, which examined the harmful developmental impacts of physical punishment (Durrant et al., 2004). Since its update, over 700 prominent Canadian organizations and individuals have endorsed the statement, including the OFOVC, demonstrating strong support for the repeal of section 43. Since 1989, 17 bills have been introduced in the House of Commons and Senate with the same goal. This is not a new issue.
POSITION
As Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime, I remain deeply concerned about violence experienced by children and youth. The Government must ensure the protection of children. Since 2020, the OFOVC has been calling for the repeal of s.43. The former Ombudsperson wrote a letter to the former Minister of Justice (Appendix A) expressing the same concern. In 2023, I reinforced this message with a letter of support sent to Senator Kutcher, the sponsor of Bill S-251 (Appendix B).
Our letters of support re-emphasized that Canada must honour our commitment to Indigenous Peoples by fulfilling the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action. It has been eight years since the release of the final report, yet 81 Calls remain unfulfilled (Jewell & Mosby, 2023). Bill S-251 would address Call to Action #6 and passing it will bring us one step closer to reconciliation. Canada must also fulfill its commitment to achieving the 2016 UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 16.2, which aims to end abuse and other violence against children and Goal 5.2 to end violence against women and girls by 2030. All Canadians will benefit from the repeal of s.43 of the Criminal Code.
Our intent is not to interfere with parental autonomy or to criminalize families, but to provide greater protection for children who do experience abuse.
CONSIDERATIONS
As Canada’s societal values have evolved, the debate about children’s rights has become increasingly pertinent. The adult-centric perspective that children are mere extensions of parental authority is gradually being challenged, as evidenced by legal and societal shifts, and is particularly relevant in the context of corporal punishment.
Children’s rights and the potential harms of corporal punishment
The potential harm inflicted by corporal punishment extends beyond immediate physical effects, impacting children’s psychological and cognitive development. This contradicts the core principles of children’s rights, as recognized by various international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In the 2004 Canadian Foundation decision, Justices Deschamps, Binnie, and Arbour highlighted in their dissent opinion that section 43 of the Criminal Code implies that children are less worthy of protection and that this is a violation of their equality rights under section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Nearly two decades later, the law has not changed. By allowing corrective force, we undermine the crucial concept of consent, which is increasingly emphasized in educational settings. In schools, anti-bullying and sexual violence prevention programs share the message that no child should be hit, kicked, or touched in a way that makes them uncomfortable. As children learn more about their rights and bodily autonomy, experiences of physical discipline violate the values children are internalizing. We send mixed messages to children if we allow physical punishment. Furthermore, under the law, we recognize that except for some particular circumstances such as in sports, adults cannot consent to physical violence. It is assault. However, Section 43 of the Criminal Code allows parents, caregivers, and teachers to use reasonable force against a child for correction.
Research from well-known scholars in the field has found that corporal punishment can have long-term psychological impacts (Durrant & Ensom, 2012). Recent studies have found that even punishment that does not leave a physical mark, such as spanking, can significantly harm a child’s brain development. The act may expose or threaten a child, which can have similar impacts on the brain as severe maltreatment (Cuartas et al., 2021).
Children may also experience adverse outcomes, including increased aggression, mental health issues, and diminished cognitive abilities (Heilmann et al., 2021; Gershoff & Grogan-Kaylor, 2016, as cited in Durrant & Kutcher, 2023). If a parent uses physical punishment, but the child does not respond or change their behaviour, the parent may increase the severity of the punishment, which could result in physical abuse (Durrant et al., 2017, as cited in Durrant & Kutcher, 2023). Studies have proven that corporal punishment does not effectively correct a child’s behaviour, challenging its intended benefit (Heilmann et al., 2021).
Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) Tool
Justice Canada recently released the Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) tool, designed to assess the implications of legislative decisions on children (Government of Canada, 2023b). The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is key in the development of this tool, as 196 countries have ratified the CRC.
The CRIA tool can be used to evaluate Bill S-251 as its application would ensure that the objectives align with safeguarding children’s rights and well-being. Part 1 of the tool involves an initial screening of the proposed legislative action or program to minimize negative impacts on children and maximize positive ones. This involves identifying the objective of the initiative, assessing impacts on children, determining its effect on different groups of children, and evaluating if it would reduce inequalities (Government of Canada, 2023b). For Bill S-251, it is evident that the bill’s goal is to protect children from the unique harms addressed by this section of the Criminal Code that applies predominantly to children.
Part 2 of the CRIA involves a thorough analysis based on the provisions of the CRC and considering research and stakeholder engagement. The final step is to weigh the positive and negative impacts and come to a conclusion (Government of Canada, 2023b).
The CRIA is an essential tool in ensuring that the rights and well-being of children, a vulnerable group, are prioritized.
Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
In applying the GBA+ framework, certain groups of children are disproportionately affected by corporal punishment. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that there are not many differences in experiences of corporal punishment between sex or age, but that boys, children who are younger, and children with disabilities tend to be at higher risk (World Health Organization, 2021). In 2022, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reported that children with disabilities are 32% more likely to experience severe physical discipline as opposed to children without disabilities (UNICEF, 2022). In addition, corporal punishment often coexists with intimate partner violence (IPV). Children who witness or experience violence related to IPV are more likely to be victimized or perpetrate IPV as adults (End Corporal Punishment, 2021).
Religion
“Spare the rod, and spoil the child” is a quote from Samuel Butler’s 17th century poetry that is often misattributed to Judeo-Christian scriptures, and used by some to justify physically punishing a child (Michaelson & Ensom, 2022). Some parents were raised to view physical discipline as a righteous parental duty to ensure that their children are well behaved and not spoiled. Researchers such as Valerie Michaelson and Ron Ensom argue that religious leaders must be part of a narrative shift to challenge social norms that have been deeply ingrained in Canadian society (Michaelson & Ensom, 2022). Emerging narratives on religious texts emphasize the context of the shepherd’s rod used to guide and direct, but not strike sheep.
Indigenous children – Calls to Action
The legacy of residential schools in Canada, where corporal punishment was frequent, underscores the urgent need for reconciliatory measures that respect and protect Indigenous children’s rights. Many Indigenous children experienced physical punishment at the hands of school leaders, including strappings, hitting, and beatings that were often severe (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015). Bill S-251 responds to the TRC’s Calls to Action number 6 and the Honourable Murray Sinclair, chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, advocated for the repeal of section 43 of the Code, highlighting the significance that this could have for Indigenous communities.
The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) stressed the harms of residential schools and the impacts of corporal punishment used to assimilate Indigenous children (Native Women’s Association of Canada, 2023). NWAC explained how many Indigenous parents are against using corporal punishment and the disproportionate rates of Indigenous children who experience violence can often result in patterns of violence throughout their lives.
To truly demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation as a society, we must listen to Indigenous Peoples and find a path forward to implement all Calls to Action, including number 6.
Education and Supports for Families
A concern from critics of Bill S-251 and the repeal of s.43 of the Criminal Code is that parents will go to jail for using corporal punishment, and children will be removed from their homes. This is not the goal of the bill. As a result, the Government must send a strong message to encourage the use of education and support services to inform parents about alternative and effective ways to discipline children.
The Government of Canada currently provides educational resources to parents, including publications on positive parenting skills instead of using physical punishment on children (Government of Canada, 2023a). Parenting programs such as Nobody’s Perfect and an online brochure titled What’s Wrong with Spanking have both been supported through Government efforts to discourage the use of physical discipline. There are, however, limitations to these programs. For example, parenting programs for those with children who are 0-5 years old are run by a facilitator, which could limit accessibility in terms of language and location.
It is thus essential to provide culturally relevant and accessible educational materials and support services in multiple languages. These resources should offer practical, culturally sensitive alternatives that will aid families in adopting more constructive disciplinary methods. These methods must also be constantly evaluated to ensure they are relevant to Canada’s evolving society. To do this, the Government must collaborate with non-government organizations, advocates, parents, teachers, and those who have the best interests of children at heart.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Pass Bill S-251 to protect children. Section 43 of the Criminal Code should be repealed as called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This will send a strong message to people living in Canada around what is not an acceptable way to discipline children.
- Provide culturally relevant and accessible education and supports. It is crucial that with the repeal of section 43 of the Criminal Code, education and supports are provided alongside this repeal. It is essential to offer parents, teachers and caregivers with the necessary resources to learn and adopt new childcare strategies. These resources must be culturally relevant and accessible, while considering Canada’s diverse population.
CONCLUSION
The repeal of section 43 stands as a pivotal step in Canada’s journey towards ensuring that children’s rights are upheld and respected. This measure, when implemented in conjunction with comprehensive educational and support strategies, will make a significant contribution in fostering a more just and empathetic society. Collaboration with government and non-government organizations, advocates, parents, teachers, and those with the best interests of children, is essential in addressing this critical issue.
References
Alla, K. (2021). What does the evidence tell us about physical punishment of children? Australian Government. https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/what-does-evidence-tell-us-about-physical-punishment-children#footnote-001
Canadian Foundation for Children, Youth and the Law v. Canada (Attorney General), 2004 SCC 4.
Canseco, M. (2023). Views on physically disciplining children shifting in Canada . Research Co. https://researchco.ca/2023/02/17/section43-canada/
Cuartas, J., Weissman, D. G., Sheridan, M. A., Lengua, L., & McLaughlin, K. A. (2021). Corporal punishment and elevated neural response to threat in children. Child Development, 92(3), 821-832. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13565
Durrant, J., & Ensom, R. (2012). Physical punishment of children: lessons from 20 years of research. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 184 (12), 1373-1377. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.101314
Durrant, J. E., Ensom, R., & Coalition on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth. (2004). Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth . Ottawa: Coalition on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth http://js-advocacy.ca/pdf/joint_statement_e.pdf
Durrant, J., & Kutcher, S. (2023). Legal spanking of children has to stop. Policy Options. https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/july-2023/spanking-children-criminal-code/
End Corporal Punishment. (2021). Corporal punishment of children: review of research on its impacts and associations. https://endcorporalpunishment.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Research-effects-full-working-paper-2021.pdf
End Corporal Punishment. (n.d.). Progress. https://endcorporalpunishment.org/countdown/
Government of Canada. (2021). Criminal law and managing children’s behaviour . https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/cj-jp/fv-vf/mcb-cce/index.html
Government of Canada. (2023a). Education. https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524495412051/1557511602225
Government of Canada. (2023b). Overview of the Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) tool and e-learning course . https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/cria-erde/index.html
Heilmann, A., Mehay, A., Watt, R. G., Kelly, Y., Durrant, J. E., Turnhout, J. V., & Gershoff, E. T. (2021). Physical punishment and child outcomes: A narrative review of prospective studies. The Lancet, 398 (10297), 355-364. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00582-1
Jewell, E., & Mosby, I. (2023). Calls to Action Accountability: A 2023 Status Update on Reconciliation. Yellowhead Institute. https://yellowheadinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/YI-TRC-C2A-2023-Special-Report-compressed.pdf
Michaelson, V., & Ensom, R. (2022). Ending the social normalization of violence against children in Canada: A framework, rationale, and appeal to Canadian faith leaders. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(24). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192417016
Native Women’s Association of Canada. (2023). Brief on Bill S-251 an act to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action number 6). https://sencanada.ca/Content/Sen/Committee/441/LCJC/briefs/LCJC_S-251_Brief_NWAC_e.pdf
Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies. (n.d.). What is child abuse? https://www.oacas.org/childrens-aid-child-protection/what-is-abuse/
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). The survivors speak: A report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Survivors_Speak_English_Web.pdf
UNICEF. (2022). Seen, Counted, Included: Using data to shed light on the well-being of children with disabilities. https://data.unicef.org/resources/children-with-disabilities-report-2021/
World Health Organization: WHO. (2021). Corporal punishment and health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/corporal-punishment-and-health
Appendix A
Letter addressed to Minister Lametti on the repeal of s.43 of the Criminal Code of Canada, August 18, 2020
The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Re: Recommendation – Repeal of s. 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada
I am writing to you to share my concerns with s. 43 of the Criminal Code. I believe this is a vital opportunity for the Government of Canada to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and repeal s. 43, which is #6 on the list of Calls for Action. Repeal is an essential step to substantially reduce the most common form of violence experienced by children--physical punishment.
Despite the modifications introduced by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2004, the law as it stands still permits an adult to strike a child. This is clearly discriminatory and nothing less than a licence to bully someone who is smaller, weaker, and more vulnerable.
I recommend the repeal of s.43, which is an outdated section of the Criminal Code, codified in 1892. Section 43 reads as follows:
CORRECTION OF CHILD BY FORCE
43. Every schoolteacher, parent or person standing in the place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care, if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances. R.S., c. C-34, s. 43.
Section 43 is an expression of a society that bears little resemblance to the one we enjoy today. While young persons who are not fully mature require the support, protection and guidance of adults until they themselves reach adulthood, the authority exercised should not include physical punishment.
The wording of this section of the Criminal Code includes the word ‘reasonable.’ This is a subjective term, which is open to interpretation. Banning the physical punishment of children would eliminate any ambiguity or confusion as to what sort of physical discipline is permissible and send a clear message that child abuse will not be tolerated in Canada.
As you know, organizations both within and outside the country, including the United Nations, have been advocating for many years for the Government of Canada to repeal s. 43, and there have been 17 Private Member’s Bills in the House and Senate to do so, yet they have been all defeated. To date, 59 other countries have legally prohibited physical punishment of children in all settings (homes, schools, alternate care). Canada will soon face another formal review by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child of our compliance with the obligations associated with our ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
It is agreed that striking a child does indeed infringe upon their rights. However, the most convincing argument against the physical punishment of children is the long-term physical, mental and emotional trauma it can cause.
It is well established in the scientific literature that early childhood trauma (ECT) can have lifelong consequences for victims. Many people in our society suffer from mental health issues, some of which are the result of childhood trauma. Even if no physical injury is sustained, a child’s emotional and cognitive development can be adversely affected, particularly if the act of physical punishment is repeated. Prosocial outcomes, such as educational achievement, rewarding employment and satisfying interpersonal relationships can also be casualties of ECT. Yet another consequence can be substance abuse.
What is worse is the phenomenon of intergenerational cycles of violence begetting violence. Far too many Canadians, particularly many Indigenous people, are living with the consequences of intergenerational trauma.
I believe the government should provide guidance for non-custodial adults, such as teachers, on how to manage children who have behavioural challenges, due either to temperament or to a condition such as autism. Although striking a child is clearly impermissible, teachers may find themselves in a position of needing to restrain children in danger of harming themselves or others. I recommend the development of national standards and guidelines for teachers and other non-custodial adults be developed by Justice Canada, in consultation with Provincial and Territorial Attorneys General, and health and education ministers.
I remain available to discuss this issue with you at your convenience and I await your reply.
Sincerely,
Heidi Illingworth
Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime
Response, March 23, 2021
Dear Ms. Illingworth:
Thank you for your correspondence of August 18, 2020, concerning section 43 of the Criminal Code. I regret the delay in responding.
The issue of whether or not section 43 should be repealed raises differing and strongly held views across Canada. I appreciate the time you have taken to share your views on this issue.
As you are likely aware, assault is broadly defined in Canadian criminal law to include any non-consensual use of force against another person. This can also include non-consensual touching that does not involve physical harm or marks. Section 43 of the Criminal Code is a limited defence to criminal liability for parents, persons standing in the place of parents, and teachers for the non-consensual application of reasonable force to a child. The Department of Justice Canada website provides information to the public regarding the criminal law and managing child behaviour.
Since 1987, the Government of Canada has been supporting parenting education programs, such as the Nobody's Perfect program , and developing publications that discourage the use of physical discipline. For example, the online brochure entitled What's Wrong with Spanking? provides parents and caregivers with useful tips on effective forms of discipline of children by focusing on positive parenting skills.
In 2004, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) held that section 43 is consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedomsand the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It also set out guidelines that significantly narrowed the application of the defence to reasonable corrective force that is transitory and trifling in nature. Moreover, the SCC’s decision provided that teachers cannot use force for physical punishment under any circumstances. However, teachers may be permitted to use reasonable force toward a child in appropriate circumstances, such as to remove a child from a classroom.
As you note, Canada’s fifth and sixth reviews on the implementation of the UN Convention are currently underway. Please be assured that the Government takes the implementation of its international human rights commitments seriously and continues to work collaboratively with the provinces and territories to promote and safeguard the rights of children.
Thank you again for writing.
Respectfully,
The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
(he/him)
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Appendix B
Letter addressed to the Honourable Stanley Kutcher, Senator to join our call to action on physical punishment of children in Canada, April 28, 2023
Senator Stanley Kutcher
Senate of Canada
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A4
Re: Call to Action on Physical Punishment of Children in Canada
Dear Senator Kutcher,
As the International Day to End Corporal Punishment approaches, I am writing in support of Bill S-251 to repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code. As Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime, I remain deeply concerned about family violence in Canada, and violence experienced by children and youth. We must ensure that children are protected.
In 2020, the former Ombudsperson wrote a letter to the Honourable David Lametti expressing the same concern and highlighting that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #6 also calls for the repeal of this section in the Criminal Code.
Raising children is demanding. As parents and caregivers, we do the best we can with the tools we have, often drawing on our own experiences as children to guide our decision-making. And yet, as the world changes rapidly around us, we are in a constant process of unlearning and remaking our social world. Today, caregivers in Canada are dismantling gender inequality, racism and ethnocentrism, homophobia and transphobia, colonialism, and other attitudes or behaviours they witnessed as children.
Children are learning about consent. In schools, anti-bullying and sexual violence prevention programs share the message that no child should be hit or kicked, or touched in a way that makes them uncomfortable. Children are learning about the genocide of Indigenous Peoples, and how physical punishment was used to control, hurt, and shame Indigenous children in Residential Schools.
As children learn more about their rights and bodily autonomy, experiences of physical discipline violate the values children are internalizing.
Under the law, we recognize that physical violence against an adult is assault. However, Section 43 of the Criminal Code allows parents, caregivers and teachers to use reasonable force against a child for correction. It has been nearly 20 years since the Supreme Court affirmed Section 43 in its 2004 decision.
We have missed 20 years of opportunities for early intervention. Our Office has heard loudly from child welfare agencies across the country that Section 43 prevents them from intervening or offering support to families in cases of suspected child abuse.
We have 20 years of research on child brain development. Research shows that physical punishment does not benefit the child and can have many negative impacts into adulthood. Children may experience pain, anger, sadness, as well as changes to brain health and function. Long-term effects can include mental health problems, increased aggression, substance abuse, and damaged relationships and educational achievement (World Health Organization, 2021).
Physical punishment is the most common form of violence that children experience. Boys, younger children, and children with disabilities are at a higher risk (WHO, 2021). We have also learned that higher frequency and severity of physical punishment used on children is statistically linked to a higher likelihood of intimate partner violence occurring in the home. (Girls and Gender - Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children, n.d.).
Across the world, 65 other countries have also formally committed to eliminating the physical punishment of children. It is time for Canada to turn our talk into action.
- We need to honour our commitment to Indigenous Peoples by fulfilling Call to Action #6 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
- We need to honour our commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 16.2 to end abuse and other violence against children and Goal 5.2 to violence against women and girls by 2030.
Prevention must be a priority by providing support and resources for caregivers to promote healthy corrective measures. Programs designed to target prevention, like the World Health Organization (WHO) evidence-based model INSPIRE will not only prevent child victimization, but also help women, men, Indigenous Peoples, and 2SLGBTQ+ members.
Once again, I support Bill S-251 and the repeal of section 43 of the Criminal Code. Thank you for your dedication to protecting children.
Sincerely,
Dr. Benjamin Roebuck
Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime
References
Girls and Gender - Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children. (n.d.).
https://endcorporalpunishment.org/girls-and-gender/
World Health Organization: WHO. (2021). Corporal punishment and health.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/corporal-punishment-and-health